Just thought I’d share a few pictures of this on my favorite forum: two Longines pocket watches with center minute counters. I think most here have seen a “Doppia Lancetta” 13ZN-12 before, but perhaps the pocket watch versions are a little less known.

First, the reference 21985. This particular example was likely made in the early 1940s. It functions as a chronograph, operated through the pusher integrated into the crown. That pusher controls the start/stop/reset function. The red hand counts the minutes, while the blued sweep hand counts the seconds. So for every one rotation of the sweep hand, the red hand increments by a notch... but does so continuously (instead of jumping as the seconds hand hits 59/60). What’s interesting about these is that both minutes and seconds are recorded on the main dial, without subregisters. Mido is one of the other watches with a similar functionality. This reference, I believe, has appeared on the market a handful of times in recent history.



And here’s a movement shot. Notice the column wheel that’s utilized for a start/stop/reset operation.



The other is the reference 21799, also made in the early 1940s, which is actually the only one I’ve seen so far and one I didn’t actually realize was a different caliber until I looked at it more closely. This movement operates like a Chronostop, exactly like the 12.68Z with the added flyback functionality. The sweep seconds hand and minute counter runs continuously, until the pusher at 2 o’clock is pressed and the watch resets, and runs again when it is released.



And of course, a movement shot as well. See the lack of a column wheel here (because you don’t need a start/stop/reset functionality)



Here are a few pictures of them next to each other... (and also next to another “similar-looking” watch ). The two tone dials looks phenomenal under different lighting.

Also - the longines script is interesting - many of the Longines watches I’ve seen with that type of script were sold in the US (and some seem to have some type of military association... but not entirely sure there). Happy to learn more if anyone has something to share.

 

Nice! Thank you for sharing

 

Outstanding trio! Very special watches indeed. I was familiar with the 13ZN but had never seen before the pocket versions.
Beautiful examples of Longines golden era. Congratulations!

 

Stunning watches. The question of the Longines font was discussed at length — with an answer from Longines historians— in the thread below.
Longines’ chief historian Stephanie Lachat, in reply to my query said the font in question comes from the Longines 1940 registered logo and was NOT restricted to the US market — even though several of us had also noticed its frequency in the US. Used on many civilian watches though.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/longines-fonts-and-redials.33758/

 

Terrific information - thanks!

 

Wonderful! Saw them on IG as well Thanks for posting!!!